Conrad Elvehjem

Linkomies and Elvehjelm

American biochemist

Conrad Elvehjem

Born	May 27, 1901
Birth place	McFarland, Wisconsin, United States
Died	July 27, 1962
Place of death	Madison, Wisconsin, United States
Nationality	American
Known for	Discovery of niacin and its role in preventing pellagra

Conrad Arnold Elvehjem (May 27, 1901 – July 27, 1962) was an American biochemist known for his discovery of niacin (vitamin B3) and its role in preventing pellagra. He served as the president of the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 1958 until his death in 1962.

Early Life and Education

Conrad Elvehjem was born in McFarland, Wisconsin, and grew up in Cambridge, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned his bachelor's degree in 1923 and his Ph.D. in 1927. His doctoral research focused on the nutritional aspects of biochemistry.

Career

Elvehjem joined the faculty of the University of Wisconsin–Madison in 1923 and became a full professor in 1936. His research primarily focused on the identification and characterization of vitamins and their roles in animal nutrition.

In 1937, Elvehjem and his colleagues discovered that niacin cured black tongue disease in dogs, which is analogous to pellagra in humans. This discovery was pivotal in understanding the nutritional deficiency that caused pellagra, a disease that was prevalent in the southern United States at the time.

Contributions to Biochemistry

Elvehjem's work significantly advanced the field of biochemistry, particularly in the understanding of vitamins and their importance in human health. His research on niacin led to the fortification of foods with this essential nutrient, which helped to virtually eliminate pellagra in the United States.

Later Life and Legacy

In 1958, Elvehjem was appointed president of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, a position he held until his death in 1962. During his tenure, he continued to advocate for scientific research and higher education.

Elvehjem's contributions to biochemistry and nutrition have had a lasting impact on public health. The Elvehjem Building at the University of Wisconsin–Madison is named in his honor, and his work continues to be recognized by the scientific community.

See Also

• Niacin
• Pellagra
• University of Wisconsin–Madison
• Biochemistry